As 2024 comes to a close, long-term Ether holders have surged from 59% to 75%, reflecting a growing confidence in Ethereum.

This increase in HODLers is bolstered by significant network upgrades, including Ethereum 2.0, which enhanced efficiency and security.

The introduction of staking features has also encouraged investors to retain their ETH for passive income, setting it apart from Bitcoin's recent volatility.

In November, Ethereum reclaimed its status as the leading blockchain for Tether (USDT), achieving a supply of $60.3 billion, marking its return to dominance.

December saw a notable increase in institutional interest, with inflows into spot Ether ETFs doubling to $2.1 billion, up from $1 billion in November.

This growth in Ether ETFs is supported by the addition of staking options and anticipated regulatory clarity from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).

Favorable regulatory developments and the increasing adoption of cryptocurrency by businesses are expected to further solidify Ethereum's market position.

In contrast, the percentage of long-term Bitcoin holders has declined from 70% to 62%, indicating a shift in investor confidence towards Ethereum.

This decline in Bitcoin's long-term holders contrasts sharply with Ethereum's rising HODLers, suggesting a changing landscape in cryptocurrency investment.

Bitcoin's price has experienced volatility, dropping from an all-time high of $106,000 to $93,000 as long-term holders began cashing out.

Despite this correction, some analysts maintain a bullish outlook for Bitcoin, predicting it could exceed $200,000 in the near future.

Looking ahead to 2025, experts anticipate that demand for ETH will continue to grow, driven by an increase in decentralized applications and smart contracts.